Download Genetic control by riboswitches and ribozymes

Genetic control by riboswitches and ribozymes
임진수 (Yale 대학교)
Riboswitches are highly structured domains that typically reside within noncoding regions of certain mRNAs. They monitor the level of specific metabolites
by selective binding without the need for intermediary protein factors. These
genetic switches typically consist of two functional domains, an aptamer domain
and an expression platform, that respectively bind metabolite and trigger gene
expression changes. An understanding of the interactions between riboswitches
and their metabolite ligands should provide greater insight into the capabilities
of RNA as a genetic switch. Furthermore, this knowledge might empower future
efforts to design novel antimetabolites that bind to riboswitches, inhibit the
expression of key metabolic genes, and thus be selectively toxic to bacteria that
carry these RNAs. Molecular recognition studies of riboswitches and design of
antibacterials targeting riboswitches showed distinct characteristics of
riboswitches and potent antibacterial target.